Brian Hickerson has spoken publicly about the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, offering a short and emotional response when approached by a photographer in South Carolina.
Panettiere, known for Heroes, Nashville and Scream 4, died on August 16, 2026, at the age of 36. Her death remains under investigation, with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office saying that toxicology results are still pending.
Brian Hickerson Responds to Questions About Hayden
Hickerson was approached at a gas station in Greenville on September 16, one month after Panettiere’s death. When asked how he was coping, he reportedly responded, “How do you think I’m doing?”
After the photographer offered condolences, Hickerson added, “Appreciate it. That’s all I got for you, man.” The exchange was reported by multiple outlets following footage obtained by E! News.
Hickerson and his brother Zach were reportedly present at the Greenville residence when Panettiere was found unresponsive. A police report confirmed that emergency responders attempted to revive her before she was pronounced dead.
Hayden Panettiere’s Cause of Death Is Still Pending
Speculation surrounding Panettiere’s death intensified after reports claimed she may have taken an oxycodone pill containing fentanyl. However, those reports have not been confirmed by the completed toxicology results.
Panettiere’s representative specifically pushed back against reports based on unnamed sources, describing them as unverified hearsay and stressing that the official investigation remains open.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has also confirmed that it has not yet released a final cause or manner of death. The initial autopsy found no signs of trauma that would have contributed to her death.
DEA Investigation Reportedly Continues
The circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death have also drawn the attention of federal authorities. PEOPLE reported that Hickerson met with Drug Enforcement Administration officials as part of the ongoing investigation, while authorities have also reportedly been looking into a possible drug supplier.
However, Hickerson has not been accused or charged with a crime relating to Panettiere’s death, according to PEOPLE.
His brief public response comes as fans and investigators continue to await the official toxicology findings. Until those results are released, reports about the exact cause of Panettiere’s death remain subject to confirmation.
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FAQs
When did Hayden Panettiere die?
Hayden Panettiere died on August 16, 2026, aged 36, in Greenville, South Carolina.
